I have basically hung up his dog booties. I have finally worked out that he simply does not enjoy hiking and backpacking and so there's no point in bringing him out with me.
I've had to retire my dogs from much hiking now as my 12 year old lab really creaks along and is maxed out at about a mile and a half on level ground. My two labs both complain incessantly about being seperated, so it's no go for both of them.
Interesting she mentions Julie not breaking a sweat - no dog ever has!